Rachamankha

A luxury boutique hotel that captures authentic traditions with elegance and style.

Situated in Chiang Mai next to the city's most famous temple, Wat Phra Singh, Rachamankha offers a unique location and experience. Hidden from the street, the hotel has a minimalist sophistication, with white walls, red columns and wood-and-stone accents. Local temples, Chinese dwellings and the historical Lanna kingdom all inspired the hotel's architecture — walls built with handmade bricks are covered with traditional lime plaster, a centuries-old technique — and architect Ong-ard Satrabhandhu designed sequences of courtyards to create areas of light and dark, mystery and surprise. Potted plants, flowers and the blue tiles in the pool add splashes of color and contribute to the graceful, serene atmosphere.

Founder Rooj Changtrakul supervises every room's design with extraordinary attention to detail, bringing together a constantly updated collection of antiques and artwork from throughout Europe, Africa, China, Myanmar and Thailand. There are just 23 accommodations, including a one-bedroom suite, which wrap around a quiet interior courtyard. Because the antiques were hand-selected, each room is unique, although some elements have been designed for a sense of continuity: old Lanna-style doors with elaborate handles and wooden bolts, window blinds made of bamboo and reed floor mats. Guests will appreciate modern touches such as wireless Internet, cable TV and CD/DVD players.

The Rachamankha restaurant showcases local cuisines from disappearing culinary traditions, served with an extensive wine list. For relaxation, there is a bar, a pool flanked by sun beds, and the entire city right outside the front gate. The hotel hosts cultural events, including recitals, marionette shows, book launches and celebrations of Lanna heritage.

Built by Khmer King Suryavarman II in the first half of the 12th century, Angkor Wat was one of the most significant architectural achievements of ancient times, and remains the world's largest religious monument today.

Built by Khmer King Suryavarman II in the first half of the 12th century, Angkor Wat was one of the most significant architectural achievements of ancient times, and remains the world's largest religious monument today.